Printer connectivity is how a printer connects to the computers, phones, and networks that send it print jobs. Most current printers connect wirelessly over Wi-Fi, and many also support Wi-Fi Direct, USB, or Ethernet. Mobile and cloud printing let you print from a phone or tablet, and on many models, even when you're away from home.
Printer Connectivity Essentials at a Glance
Wi-Fi lets everyone on your network print without cables
Wi-Fi Direct connects a device straight to the printer without a router
USB and Ethernet offer simple, stable wired connections
Mobile printing works through the HP app, Apple AirPrint, or built-in Android printing
Remote printing on supported models lets you print when you're away from home
Wireless Printing Explained
Wi-Fi printing
A Wi-Fi® printer joins your home or office wireless network like a laptop or phone. Once connected, any device on the same network can send print jobs without a cable, and the printer can sit anywhere within range of the router. Many current printers support dual-band Wi-Fi, which works on both the 2.4 GHz band, with longer range, and the 5 GHz band, with faster speeds and less interference.
Wi-Fi Direct printing
Wi-Fi Direct lets a phone, tablet, or laptop connect straight to the printer without a router. It's useful for guests who aren't on your network, for places without Wi-Fi, or when your network is down. The printer creates its own small network that nearby devices can join.
Bluetooth on printers
Some printers include Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE), which is mainly used to make setup easier by letting the HP app find and configure the printer from a nearby phone. Printing itself typically happens over Wi-Fi or USB.
Learn more about wireless networking in our components glossary.
Mobile Printing Explained
Mobile printing lets you print photos, documents, tickets, and emails straight from a phone or tablet. There are three main ways to do it.
Printing with the HP app
The HP app, which replaces the earlier HP Smart app, lets you set up your printer, print, scan, copy, and check ink levels from your phone or tablet, and on many computers. It supports most wireless-capable HP printers made in 2014 and later.
Printing from iPhone and iPad with AirPrint
Apple AirPrint™ is built into iPhone, iPad, and Mac. If your printer supports AirPrint and is on the same network, you can tap Print in a compatible app and choose the printer, with no extra software.
Printing from Android devices
Android phones and tablets include built-in printing in many apps, and printers certified by Mopria™ work with it. The HP app adds more features, such as scanning and printer management.
Option | Works with | Best for |
HP app | Phones, tablets, and computers, depending on the device | Setup, printing, scanning, and printer management in one place |
Apple AirPrint | iPhone, iPad, and Mac | Quick printing without installing an app |
Built-in Android printing | Android phones and tablets | Quick printing from apps that include a print option |
Cloud and Remote Printing
Cloud printing sends print jobs over the internet instead of only through your local network. That means you can print to your printer even when you're not at home or in the office.
Remote printing with the HP app
On supported models, the HP app includes a remote printing feature called Print Anywhere. It lets you send a job to your home printer from anywhere you have an internet connection, so documents are waiting when you get back. The printer needs to be connected to the internet and linked to your HP account.
Email printing
Certain HP printers have their own email address. You can send a document or photo as an attachment to that address, and the printer prints it. Check your printer's user guide to see whether it supports email printing.
Cloud printing for businesses
Business print solutions such as HP Roam let employees send print jobs from their devices and release them at any compatible printer in the office. This supports hybrid and shared workspaces. Learn more about hybrid work.
Because cloud printing connects the printer to the internet, keep firmware updated and use the printer's security settings. Learn more about printer security.
Wired Printer Connections
USB printing
A USB cable connects the printer directly to one computer. It's simple and reliable, and it doesn't depend on a network, but only the connected computer can print unless you share the printer through that computer.
Ethernet printing
An Ethernet cable connects the printer to your router or network switch. Everyone on the network can print, and the wired connection is very stable, which is why Ethernet is common for shared office printers.
Printer Connection Types Compared
Connection | How it works | Best for |
Wi-Fi | Joins your wireless network | Homes and offices where several people print |
Wi-Fi Direct | Device connects straight to the printer | Guests, travel, or printing without a router |
USB | Cable to one computer | A single computer near the printer |
Ethernet | Cable to the router or switch | Shared office printers that need a stable connection |
Cloud and remote printing | Print jobs travel over the internet | Printing to your printer while away |
How to Connect a Printer to Wi-Fi
Place the printer within range of your router and turn it on.
Install the HP app on your phone or computer.
Add the printer in the app and follow the prompts to connect it to your Wi-Fi network.
Print a test page from your phone or computer to confirm the connection.
Setup steps vary by model, so check your printer's setup guide or HP Support for details.
If your printer shows as offline
Restart the printer, your computer or phone, and your router.
Confirm the printer and your device are on the same Wi-Fi network.
Move the printer closer to the router or reduce obstructions.
Make sure the printer's firmware and your printer software are up to date. Learn more about drivers and firmware.
Reconnect the printer to Wi-Fi through the HP app if the network name or password changed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Printer Connectivity
What is the difference between Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct printing?
Wi-Fi printing sends jobs through your wireless router, so any device on the network can print. Wi-Fi Direct connects a device straight to the printer without a router, which is useful for guests or places without a network.
Can you print from a phone without an app?
Many phones can print without a separate app. iPhone and iPad use Apple AirPrint, and many Android apps include a built-in print option that works with compatible printers. The HP app adds features such as scanning and printer setup.
Can you print to your home printer when you're away?
On supported HP printers, you can print to your home printer from anywhere using the remote printing feature in the HP app, as long as the printer is connected to the internet and linked to your HP account. Some models also support email printing.
Is a wired or wireless printer connection better?
A wired connection through USB or Ethernet is usually the most stable, while a wireless connection is more flexible and lets several devices print without cables. Many homes use Wi-Fi, while busy offices often prefer Ethernet for shared printers.
Why does a wireless printer keep going offline?
A wireless printer can go offline because of a weak Wi-Fi signal, a router restart, a changed network password, or outdated software. Restarting the devices, moving the printer closer to the router, and reconnecting it through the HP app often solves the problem.
Related Printer Topics
Printers: the main types of printers and how they work
Printer security: protecting printers, documents, and networks
All-in-one printers: printing, scanning, copying, and faxing in one device
Print speed: pages per minute and what affects it
